Free Reggae: Marley’s Mellow Mood “Tune in Tuesdays” Presents Kelissa

Words by LargeUp Crew—

Marley’s Mellow Mood has come up with a new way to “free the people with music,” launching a weekly free music download series, co-curated by LargeUp, and dubbed Tune in Tuesdays. Each Tuesday, this link features a download of a new single from a different artist.

This week’s featured track is “Sing,” from Jamaican singer Kelissa. Raised in the hills of St. Andrew by parents who shared lead singing duties in reggae band Chakula, she is fresh off the release of a new EP, Rebel in Disguise, through Zinc Fence Records, and a recent tour of Africa.

Sample/download below, and read on for a quick interview with Kelissa.

A diverse blend of music with soothing melodies and revolutionary lyrics infused with Jamaican flavor and international appeal.

What role does your heritage play in your music?

I am a child of reggae and Jamaican culture. I grew up watching my parents on stage and in the studio singing and playing roots rock reggae music. So, I feel like I inherited their musical mission. My cultural tradition and experiences are a strong feature of my music. There are elements of my heritage within my language, in the content of my lyrics and even within the musical composition. I’ve lived in different contexts outside of Jamaica that have also contributed to my musical sound. I think that music is a reflection of our experiences. Music is like a record of heritage and culture.

What can we expect to hear from you in the next year?

I am forever creating, recording and performing. I am currently working on my debut album Kelimanjaro to be released next year. Prior to that I will be putting out several music videos as well as never seen before footage from my recent tour of six African countries called “50 Days in Afrika.” I also plan to return to Africa later next year to perform and I’m cooking up a series of collaborations with both Jamaican and international artists. Music as usual.

Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write “Sing”?

Love has a way of inspiring the heart, the mind, the soul, the body. And music is how I express that inspiration. So for this song I chose to merge both passions—love and music. My love for people and ideas inspire me to sing and make music.

What are your ultimate ambitions as an artist?

To let my sounds travel to the many corners of the earth. I think music has a very affective power and I feel that this is the right avenue to fulfill my mission, leave my legacy and deliver my message of love, respect, peace, justice and unity. On a personal note, I love to travel and learn through being in different environments. It also gives my music a new dimension because I am exposed to new sounds and new ideas. Traveling uplifts me so I can ultimately uplift others.